Page 11 of Dangerous Intent

“If there was ever a time for you to listen, now would be it,” I said. “That’s not a warning. Just some advice.”

The sooner she learned my father didn’t have the patience I had when it came to her, the better off she would be.

Keeping with the theme of the car ride here, she didn’t say a word. She slipped my jacket off her shoulders.

“You need to listen to every word my father tells you.” I took the jacket from her and put it on, breathing in the strawberry aroma that lingered in the material. “Even if you don’t like what he’s saying.”

Milo joined us by the door and handed Lissia her bag he had taken from her old bedroom at her father’s house.

“Here you go, beautiful,” he said. “We shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

Milo pushed on the ajar door.

My father looked up from the papers in front of him. “Good. You’re all here.”

He stood as we entered the room, and he motioned for Lissia to sit on the leather couch across from his desk. When she did so without hesitation, I became unsettled.

Why is she being so cooperative?I know I’d told her to listen, but listening wasn’t one of Lissia’s best qualities. I’d expected at least a little resistance.

Milo’s shocked expression matched my feelings, but neither of us said anything.

My father joined Lissia on the couch, I stood behind her, and Milo took a seat at my father’s desk.

The dimly lit room projected shadows on the walls, creating an ominous setting as the aroma of leather and lemon furniture polish filled the air. Vivid memories of being summoned here when I was younger crossed my mind.

It wasn’t often that I disappointed my father—probably because I never wanted to let him down—but there were a few times when I had gotten out of line at school or had been in a fight.

He never reprimanded me for fighting, but if I wasn’t the one who started that fight, I sure as hell had to be the one who finished it. My father always had my back as long as the altercation was justified. He never allowed Milo or me to be the bully, but it was also never acceptable for us to be bullied.

As much as I hated what he was about to tell Lissia, the truth had to be revealed. My father had my back when he eliminated Gian. The same way I would have his. The Accettis protected their own.

“Lissia,” my father said. “I’m sorry that Angelo felt the need to approach you and spew such hate at your father’s funeral.”

“Is what he said true?” she asked. “Did you kill him? Were you avenging your sons?”

“Do you really want the answer to that question? Because I can’t answer that question without giving you more information that you aren’t prepared for.” My father motioned toward the black bottle of vodka sitting on his desk. “Milo, pour Lissia a glass.”

Milo did what he was told and filled Lissia’s glass with a larger portion than I would have, but she was probably going to need it after this conversation.

“I want the truth.” She accepted the vodka from my brother. “I need the truth.”

My father glanced at me, and I nodded. He would be able to tell her what she needed to hear much more efficiently than I ever could. He wouldn’t let his emotions distract him.

“I know you’re aware of the plan Danny Collins has for you.” My father’s jaw tensed. “I won’t allow that vile man to breathe much longer.”

“I appreciate that, but what does that have to do with my father?” she asked.

“You know why I’ve been away,” he said.

“You were helping the cartel look for Miguel.”

“My search turned up some disturbing news.” He loosened his tie. “Miguel was crucial in running a sex trafficking ring in my territory without my knowledge.”

I clenched my fist. The Accettis may have done plenty of illegal things, but sex trafficking wasn’t one of them. Knowing there was a bounty out to take Lissia captive so she would be sold to the highest bidder made me blind with rage.

Lissia sipped her drink. “His cartel didn’t know?”

“Miguel was working for someone else.” My father tapped his fingers on the couch.